The Kano State Government has wrapped up its case against Shafi’u Abubakar, a 38-year-old Gezawa resident accused of setting fire to a mosque, in an Upper Shari’a Court.
Abubakar faces multiple charges, including culpable homicide, attempted murder, causing grievous hurt, and mischief by fire.
During the proceedings, the prosecution, led by Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Salisu Tahir, presented seven witnesses, concluding with testimony from ASP Abdullahi Sajo of the Kano State Criminal Investigation Department (CID).
The prosecution also submitted Abubakar’s confessional statements in English and Hausa, along with photos of the victims.
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ASP Sajo testified that on May 15, at approximately 8 a.m., the Gezawa Police Division alerted the State CID that Abubakar had allegedly set fire to the mosque in Gadan Larabar Abasawa Village while worshippers were engaged in early morning prayers.
Sajo explained that Abubakar voluntarily surrendered to police officers at the Gezawa Division shortly after the incident and was subsequently transferred to the State CID.
The officer recalled that during questioning, Abubakar admitted to purchasing N7,000 worth of fuel on May 14, which he then used to ignite the mosque early the next day.
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Following the incident, Abubakar reported himself to the police. Sajo also stated that he witnessed 25 individuals in critical condition at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, with 23 later succumbing to their injuries.
The prosecutor argued that the offense violated Sections 140, 148, 167, and 370 of the Kano State Shari’a Penal Code Law, 2000.
Abubakar pleaded guilty to all charges, and the judge, Malam Halhalatu Zakariyya, adjourned the case to November 19 for continued proceedings.